We have a range of services to offer Get in contact if you have any questions on anything outlined below

Professional Repotting

Too busy to repot your bonsai?

Bonsai Art Nursery have been repotting bonsai for over 25 years. Smaller homes and busy lifestyles leaves some people without the space, facilities or time to repot their bonsai. Bonsai Art Nursery have the facilities and expertise to cover all you repotting requirements.

All bonsai are repotted with care and emphasis on improveing the root system of your tree using the best quality materials available.

-Professional pot mesh,

-Drainage stones,

-Quality potting media,

-Long term slow release fertiliser,

are used with every repot. Custom soil mixes can be prepared to suit individual tree species if requested.

Visit the nursery or ring to obtain a quote to have you bonsai repotted.

Cost to Repot?

Prices can vary according to the size of the bonsai to be repotted, how potbound the bonsai is, time since last repot, other specific individual requirements such as custom soil mixes.

How long will it take?

We normally keep your bonsai for 1-2 weeks allowing time to settle in. We text or ring when your tree is ready to be picked up. Bonsai can be repotted on the spot if prior arrangement is organised by contacting nursery beforehand.

Why do I need to repot my bonsai?

All trees in pots eventually become what is known as rootbound or potbound. This is when the roots have completely taken up all available space in the pot. It becomes harder for the new fine feeder roots to find space to grow.

How do I know when my bonsai needs repotting?

The average repotting time is every 2-3 years .This can vary greatly from tree to tree. Small & young bonsai may be repotted more frequently whilst older and larger trees less regularly.

There are many indicators that can tell you that your tree requires repotting such as soil surface becoming hard and crusty making it difficult for water to penetrate.

Water pooling on the surface

The tree starting to rise up out of the pot due to roots coiling around the bottom of pot and pushing tree up.

Roots may start to grow through the drainage holes in the bottom of pot.

What is the best time of year to repot my bonsai?

The best time to repot most trees is late winter /early Spring ( August –September)

Deciduous trees like Maples, Elms, Wisteria can be repotted any time during their dormant period after all leaves have fallen off usually in late autumn and through the winter. The premium time to repot deciduous is when the new buds just start to swell as this is when the new roots also start to grow. This is normally late winter/early Spring.

Conifers such as Pines, Cedars, Junipers and Cypress can be repotted in late Winter /early Spring. There is also a short period in early Autumn that is safe to repot conifers. This is around Easter and just after. The hot weather has finished but it has not turned too cold for root growth to stop.

Fig trees and other tropical can be repotted in the warmer months from early November through to January.

Azaleas and most flowering trees can also be repotted at the end of their flowering period before they go into their growth mode.

Whilst most of the time it is best to adhere to the above guidelines there are exceptions such as when a tree is showing signs of ill health. At such times it may be better to repot immediately. The root system may need attention if there is no obvious symptoms above ground.

Contact us at the Nursery to find out when is the best time to repot your tree.

Does my bonsai need a new or larger pot?

If the plan for your bonsai is not to grow the overall dimemsions any larger but simply to improve the inner structure (ramification) then your bonsai can be repotted back into the same pot.

Pot into a larger pot when you require your bonsai to grow larger overall or if the pot simply looks too small.

If required feel free to ask our staff for advice in selecting a new pot for your bonsai.

Remember you are welcome to bring your bonsai to the nursery as it helps in selecting the best pot to suit your tree.

Upkeep & Maintenance

Repotting is just one of the many tasks required for maintaining a healthy bonsai.

All trees in pots require regular upkeep and maintenance to keep them growing and in healthy condition. Most trees can survive for years with just being watered but with a little extra care they can thrive and reward you greatly.

In addition to watering and repotting your bonsai will benefit from the following:

Regular pruning and removal of unwanted growth.

Regular feeding through the growing season.

Removing of old dead foliage.

Identifying and treating pests and diseases.

Keeping weed free.

Removal of moss growing up trunks.

Removing training wire once trunk or branch has set in new position.

Protection from extreme weather conditions, such as placing in shade on very hot days. ( over 35 degrees)

Our professional staff can assist in advising on any of the above topics.

Feel free to bring your bonsai to the nursery for specific advice.

If you have pests or disease, place the insect or affected leaves into a sealed plastic bag and bring to our nursery for identification and advice on treatment.

Tree Minding

We can look after your bonsai whilst you enjoy your holiday. Prices vary according to;

Size of bonsai,

Amount of individual trees,

& length of stay at nursery.

Ring and describe or send a picture of collection to obtain an individual quote for your requirements.

Unfortunately this service is not available for the months of December & January due to our increased workload during this period. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Shaping & Styling

Bonsai Art Nursery offers a professional shaping and styling service for your bonsai. We will work with you to discover what you want and what best suits your bonsai. Simply bring your tree to the nursery to discuss your requirements and obtain a free quote.

Bonsai are never finished, a healthy bonsai is always growing. To maintain its shape and improve the structure of your bonsai requires regular pruning of unwanted growth and styling to improve and change direction of growth.

We can simply trim your tree of the unwanted growth or we can fully wire and style your bonsai to your specifications.

Bonsai Art Nursery also offers individual lessons on how to shape and style your bonsai.

At Bonsai Art Nursery we have been shapeing and styling customer trees for some 25 years. Our staff are skilled in all the major styles of bonsai training including-

Informal upright

Formal upright

Semi Cascade

Full Cascade

Group & Forest plantings

Saikei and Penjing rock landscapes

Root over rock styles

Windswept

To name a few of the most popular styles.

There are many recognised styles to shape your bonsai to. Most bonsai styles try to recreate a miniature version of old trees as found in nature by incorporating old tree characteristics into the design.

However we understand that conforming to modern guidelines is not necessary for everyone and that nature produces a vast array of oddities and curiosities. Ultimately it’s up to you how you want your bonsai shaped. Rules are made to be broken and guidelines are as the word suggests, a guide. We will work with you to get the best from your tree.

Note – If your bonsai is wired by us, we will also remove it for you as part of the service without extra charge if you do not want to remove it yourself.

How often does my bonsai need shaping and styling?

Unwanted growth can be removed at any time that it occurs. How fast a tree grows can vary enormously from species to species.

Wireing and styling can be done as often as individual branches or a trunk may require. However when a bonsai is fully wired, it will appreciate a break for a season or two.

Will my bonsai ever be finished?

Bonsai is a living art and if a tree is healthy, it will continue to grow and therefore is never finished.

It will however slow down as it ages and matures requiring less frequent shaping and styling.